A groundbreaking for Oakland's 14th Street Safety - Safe Routes in the City project, which will bring a host of improvements to the corridor, was held late last month.
Oakland Mayor and MTC Commissioner Sheng Thao, Oakland Council President and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) board member Nikki Fortunato Bas, Oakland Councilmember and ABAG board member Carroll Fife, Oakland Councilmember and ABAG board alternate Janani Ramachandran, and MTC’s Chief Deputy Executive Director Alix Bockelman were among those present to kick off the project.
The $20.9 million project's funding includes a $10 million grant from the California Transportation Commission (State ATP funds) and almost $2 million from MTC’s federal One Bay Area Grant funds, along with money from the 2016 Oakland Infrastructure Bond Measure KK.
The work will see improved pedestrian crossings, sidewalk improvements, separated bike lanes, landscaping, enhanced bus boarding islands and shelters, protected intersections, traffic signal and street lighting upgrades, community-led public art installations and a comprehensive parking management plan on 14th Street from Brush Street to Lakeside Drive/Oak Street. Construction of the project is expected to be completed by Fall 2025.
“Today we are delivering on our promise to Oaklanders for safer, calmer streets,” Thao said. “The transformation of 14th Street through the heart of Downtown Oakland will not only improve safety but also create an inviting atmosphere to visit our local shops, restaurants, and other businesses.”
Other project partners include the Alameda County Transportation Commission, Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the California Strategic Growth Council.
MTC is also working to make Bay Area streets safer. The Bay Area Vision Zero Working Group is an MTC-led panel that includes members from local government, transit agencies, advocates and academia.
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